Wondering what you will need for your first (or second….or third) home birth? Get all the home birth essentials, must haves, and recommendations in this post!
Defining Home Birth Essentials
So we get it….what we say is “essential” might not make the list for you. Many things can factor in when it comes to what exactly you need for your home birth.
Some of the things that made our list are items we found helpful, but maybe not necessarily essential. Meaning, you could have a great birth without them.
Another thing to consider is that every midwife provides different birth supplies. Most midwives will have her own list of what she expects you to provide so you will want to cross reference our list with hers. Some midwives provide all the medical, cleaning, birth pool supplies, etc. It is a conversation you will definitely want to have with her as you get closer to welcoming your baby.
Where to Source Home Birth Essentials
You truly do not need much at all to birth a baby. However, gathering the essentials, comfort gear, and setting up your space (fluffing your nest) is such an intuitive and fun process!
We source most of our supplies from grocery stores, amazon, and other online resources for home birthing.
When it comes to nourishing postpartum snacks, drinks, and meals, Thrive Market is my one stop shop for all things healthy and delicious! Thrive is a ship to your door grocery store that offers always, only clean label products from brands you can trust. I always stock up on things like beef sticks, protein powder, vitamins, and so much more from Thrive for the postpartum season. For a limited time you can get a discount and up to $60 in FREE groceries when you use my link below!
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Your midwife may have her own sources as well so definitely make sure you ask her about the things you cannot get locally.
Complete List of Our Home Birth Must-Haves
1. Birth Pool*
*For those who want a water birth and the pool is not provided by the midwife.
You do not have to get the most expensive, name brand tub on the market. Amazon has some great options that have a beautiful aesthetic with a much cheaper price tag. I know of mamas who have purchased kiddy pools to birth in, used cold plunge tubs, and many other “birth tub” options that are more affordable.
You can also look into renting one through your midwife or her recommendations or check online for homebirth tub rentals. In my experience purchasing was cheaper than renting. Some midwives provide the pool in their cost, you will just be responsible for purchasing the liner, water hose, and adapter (for hot water).
Birth Pool Supplies You Need…
•Birth tub liner.
•Sump pump to suck out the water from the tub when finished using.
•Rv grade water hose
•Hot water connection adapter for whichever source of hot water you’ll be using
•Tarp or waterproof protection for under birth tub
•Mesh strainer or fish net for potential debris in the water
•Air pump for pool.
2. Emesis Bags/small trash can
Emesis bags or a small trash can nearby can be helpful if you deal with nausea or vomiting during labor. If this is your first birth it is safe to assume you may need them at some point.
3. Towels and Wash Cloths
Towels are one of the top home birth essentials. You may find it comforting to have a wash cloth for your head or neck during labor. Keep a few for after labor clean up as well. Clean towels will be needed for after birth, especially if you are wanting to labor or birth in the water.
Birth Tip: I use all my old rags, wash cloths, and towels so we can just trash them after birth instead of having to wash them. During early labor I put all the towels in the dryer so someone can heat them up in case of shock, or so the baby will have something warm to snuggle in after delivery.
4. Mattress Protection and Sheets
A mattress protector or a shower curtain liner is a must have for keeping a clean space during and after labor. An extra set of cozy sheets for after are an absolute home birth essential.
Birth Tip: Here’s how to make your bed for a home birth….Start with a clean set of sheets (these will be the sheets you sleep in after birth- make sure they are your coziest set!). Next, layer with a mattress protector or a shower curtain liner. Then, place another set of sheets on top of the protective layer (these are the sheets you will labor and birth on- make sure they can get messy. I also make sure the top set of sheets can be thrown away so we do not have to wash any birth linens.
5. Chux or Puppy Pads
Chux pads or extra large puppy pads are super helpful for keeping a low mess, easy clean up birth space. They can absorb all the birth fluids and mess. My midwife also uses them to place the placenta for inspection. She uses them on the floor to transfer me from the birth tub and back into bed. They catch all the mess and can be thrown away easily after.
6. Large Bowl and Gallon Ziplock Bag
These may be nice to have on hand for placenta inspection and disposal.
7. Large Trash Bags
Those big, black landscaping trash bags are perfect for birth clean up.
Birth Tip: Try to keep all your birth supplies in one place so your midwife does not have to try to find things or ask you where things are.
8. Cleaning Supplies
My midwife keeps disinfecting wipes on hand for cleaning purposes but if your midwife does not provide them you may need to for easier clean up. All-purpose cleaner and rags are helpful. Hydrogen peroxide can get any blood stains up in case of a mess on carpet.
Homebirth Fact: Your midwife will take care of all the birth clean up for you and many of them bring thier own supplies along!
9. Yoga (birth) Ball and/or Peanut Ball
Having a birth ball to bounce on can make things so much more comfortable during labor. It can also be used to bring baby into a better position and help with proper descending of the baby. A peanut ball can also be a comfort measure depending on your preferred positioning in labor.
Birth Tip: If you do not have a peanut ball and you want to try a similar positioning in labor you can use pillows to simulate it. First, cover your pillow in a trash bag so it is protected from any labor mess. Then straddle it, resting your head on another pillow. You may have to play around with the pillows to find the best positioning but sometimes it can make you feel more comfortable!
10. Comfort Measures and Pain Management
This will vary from person to person. If this is your first baby or first natural, unmedicated birth I highly recommend having ALL the pain management things on hand because you just never know what will work for you. If this is not your first rodeo, you know what you need!
If you wan to learn more about pain management techniques and essentials go check out this post on Pain Management for Unmedicated Birth.
11. Comfortable Pajamas
Comfortable pajamas for after birth are home birth essentials! Get multiple pairs in case you bleed out on your first pair.
13. Nutritious Snack and Electrolytes
Nutritious snacks and a hydrating electrolyte drink will help keep your energy up for labor. Some women cannot eat during labor, but you can bet when it is all done you will want a good snack and LOTS of water!
Homebirth Fact: It is also nice to have a little snack basket set up for for your birth team, especially if you want them on scene for the entire process of your labor. Of course, they do not expect this, and many bring their own snacks. However, it is always appreciated.
14. Mirror
A handheld mirror is nice to have if you want to see your baby crowning.
15. Super Big Water Bottle (with a straw!)
Staying hydrated during labor is essential…it is also a good excuse to buy that cute Hydrojug you’ve been eyeing!
Homebirth Tip: Using the bathroom is actually so good during labor. My midwife and many others call it the “dilation station”. Bathroom trips also keeps you active in labor, again, helping labor to progress. That is why frequent sips of water can help keep your labor going while also keeping you hydrated.
16. Vitamin K Drops and Eye Balm
If you want to supplement vitamin K you will want to have vitamin K drops on hand. The same with the eye goop, unless your midwife provides this.
17. Birth Affirmations
If your husband is your main labor support, you may both benefit from having birth affirmations or things for him to say written down before labor.
18. Postpartum Home Birth Essentials
You will need adult diapers/maxi pads for after delivery. Ice pads or hot packs can also be life savers for pain after birth. You may also want an herbal perineum spray for minor tears, swelling, and discomfort. Breast care is also important for breastfeeding mothers so grab some lanolin, breast pads, and gel packs. After Ease from Earthley Wellness is an all-natural, herbal medicine for after birth pains that WORKS so well!!
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19. Hair Ties/Clip
I always have hair ties or clip my hair up during labor to keep it out of my face- I’m doing hard work, not cute girl stuff!
20. Baby Gear
Newborn homebirth babies only need their mamas- and diapers! Truly, they do not require much first thing. I like to have blankets/swaddles, diapers and wipes, and a few sleepers close by for after birth and the first few nights. Skin to skin is best when possible to help regulate baby’s temperature.
21. Medical Supplies
Any medical supplies your midwife does not provide will need to be purchased. We cannot tell you what she provides or what to buy in case so you will want to have a conversation with her about any supplies you are expected to buy. Some things to ask about are, gloves, vitamin K/eye goop, thermometer, etc.
Birth Tip: You may also want to have supplies ready in case you have a spontaneous birth or your midwife misses your labor for whatever reason. Things like a nasal respirator in case of breathing trouble, scissors to cut the cord (only in case of emergency), and gloves.
22. Entertainment/Snacks for Siblings
If you have other children present but do not wish for them to be in the room when the baby is born you may want to consider having something for them to watch/do and eat while you are laboring. If you want your husband nearby you will definitely want to think and prepare for this beforehand.
23. Rolling Cart
If you are wondering where all this stuff is supposed to go, look no further than a metal rolling cart! This has been a life-saver for my third birth and postpartum season. It can hold all the birth supplies, then shift to a postpartum cart for the next several weeks, then you can use it for whatever you need!
We hope this list helps! Want more home birth, natural wellness, and from scratch recipes? Subscribe to the email list so you never miss a post!
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